Query regarding 06820

I am looking for a home in Darien (currently living in NYC). For homes on Camp Avenue, Greenwood Avenue and Hoyt Street, does the New Canaan Metro North train cause a significant noise nuisance. Is this area zoned for commercial or is it generally residential? Do residents in this area generally ride Metro North from the Darien train stations or the Stamford stations. How is Ox Ridge Elementary school compared to the other elementary schools in the Darien school system? Thank You

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Answers

The best place for information regarding Metro North is their website. You can access this link through the MTA website. Just click on each station on the red line (New Haven) for more information regarding schedules and parking (includes a parking station map).

Hi Mick â€“ Hi Mick -
Yep, the area around Camp, Greenwood & Hoyt can be busy and noisy depending on the exact location of a property and your threshold on what "busy & noisy" really are. There are both commercial & residential properties in that area with most commercial properties being west of Hoyt into Springdale/Stamford. As some of the other responders have pointed out, the Darien/Noroton Heights train station has many direct express trains in & out of NYC - very desirable for the commuter. The Talmadge Hill station also has several direct express trains (8 morning & 8 evening) with an additional 45 trains throughout the day that require transferring in Stamford. Depending on where a property is located (and your schedule) will influence which train station is used. My wife & I moved out of NYC nearly 18 years ago and first lived in the Noroton Heights area - one of the great "starter home" areas in Darien. After three kids, we outgrew our house and now live in northern Darien. Our kids have attended the Holmes & Ox Ridge Elementary Schools and both are really great neighborhood schools. In fact, according to state testing scores, the Darien public school system ranks as one of the best in the state; there're all good with great community involvement.
As a long time Darien resident and real estate agent, I would suggest carefully considering the â€œvalue sideâ€ of any property or area you might be considering â€“ especially in todayâ€™s market. There are always proâ€™s and conâ€™s, and determining whatâ€™s best for you is usually a process of knowledge first and elimination second as one learns about a specific area or market. What appears to be a "deal" may not be the "value" one is searching for. There are many beautiful properties along and just off of Hoyt Ave., and finding the right property that satisfies your needs â€“ at the right value requires careful and diligent execution. If you would like assistance in your search, please donâ€™t hesitate to contact me â€“ thereâ€™s never any obligation. I hope this helps â€“ cheers.

The answers the other realtors gave you are accurate. There are homes down off of Hoyt, e.g Briar Brae where the train runs behind some homes.In my experience it's like a pool,either you like it or not.The Metro North train tends to whoosh by as opposed to really offensice alternate possibilities.
When I moved to twon we looked on Hoyt but I found it too far from amenities especially if you have children you are driving around.
I know its hard to believe but all Darien schools are essentially the same. The town budget simply gets split and all programs are identical.

Im personally not a fan of Greenwood Ave or Hoyt st for resale purposes but many people find it ideal to start out..
My personal preference is closer to Noroton Heights on the streets off Middelsex Rd but thats just me.

Why not take the time and visit for a day-- while there, be attentive to detail--hear the train, the traffic, dine at a local eatery, observe local residents--people that enjoy their lifestyle and home exude a sense of contentment--maybe even visit the school and ask about special programs, test scores etc.-- decide if your comfort level can be reached -- then take it from there.

MIck: We have lived in Darien for two years now...we were interested in a property on Hoyt and our realtors were honest and wouldn't even let us consider it.. they didn't want to re-sell it. If you don't mind traffic ...and i mean traffic...then it is fine...but buyer beware.. you better be looking for a deal..and wanting to stay for awhile. Oxridge is a fine school..you do not have to worry where you are in Darien..all the schools are fine.

As a Darien resident for 16 years and an in town realtor, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. When we moved to town we lived on Camp Avenue and did not find the train noise or traffic to be that bothersome. In terms of commuting, my husband took the train from Noroton Heights. With the three street locations you mentioned, you are also close to the Springdale station in Stamford and the Talmadge Hills station in New Canaan, however both those trains are a spur line and you need to transfer in Stamford to get to the city. The Darien school system is top notch and can be accessed on the town website. I have a listing at 500 Hoyt Street that I would be happy to show you. I can be reached at 203-554-0897. Thank you, Deirdre McGovern, Al Filippone Associates Darien.

Hi Mick, I have lived in Darien for 7 years down off the Post Rd. I am also an agent with Coldwell Banker. From what I know, commuters who live over on Camp, Greenwood and Hoyt use the Noroton Heights train station or, if they are way up Hoyt Street, maybe the Talmadge Hill Station off the New Canaan line. The traffic getting down to the Stamford Station can be a bear and the parking is good at the Darien/ New Canaan stations. If you are a Darien resident, you can get on a waiting list for a parking pass. Not sure how long the wait is now. We waited 3 yrs (it goes faster than you think) and it costs about $300 per year vs $30 for a book of 10 daily passes. As far as the train noise up that line, those trains do not run as frequently as the main line next to 95 and I only notice it in houses where it runs right through the backyard but with any house you are considering, it's always a good idea to see it and the neighborhood at different times of day. In my neighborhood you hear church bells and the fire horn which doesn't bother me but might others. Again, just try to get a gauge when you are looking. Best of luck!

Good morning, First of all here is the link to the Darien School System, http://www.darienps.org/boe/. As a licensed Real Estate Agent, I am restricted by law to comment on the quality of schools. I can guide you as to where to find out information such as the link above.

The New Canaan Branch of the Metro, as you know, does cross along the area you mentioned. The impact will depend on where the home is located on the streets you mentioned above. It would probably be best if you came out and looked for yourself. It would also help to be in the area when the train comes through.

Please contact me if you are in need of further assistance. I am available to show you properties in Darien and other surrounding towns. Also, starting in the New Year, 10% of my end of the commission of any deal I close goes to charity. You may contact me for details.